Assembly for fixing a steam nozzle in dishwashing machine

ABSTRACT

In a steam dishwashing machine a steam nozzle that sprays steam, supplied by a steam generator, into the dish washing space or compartment. The steam nozzle is fixed to the tub so that the dish washing space itself is not limited, nor are the shape and size of the dishwashing machine racks. Moreover, the steam nozzle is fixed such that any warping or deformation of the steam nozzle, due to prolonged exposure to high-temperature wash water or high-temperature steam, is prevented.

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No.10-2007-0052700, filed on May 30, 2007, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dishwashingmachine having a steam generator mounted therein, and a steam nozzle forspraying steam into the dishwashing compartment or space. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to fixing (i.e., securing)the steam nozzle.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

A conventional dishwashing machine sprays wash water onto the dishes andother items placed in the dishwashing machine. In general, thedishwashing machine uses high water pressure to remove foreign matter,such as food particles and other waste, on the dishes and other items.The foreign matter is filtered so that the wash water can be re-used(i.e., recirculated). Detergent is dissolved in the wash water to breakup and/or loosen the foreign matter so that it can more easily beremoved from the dishes and other items. It will be understood thatthese other items may include, pots, pans, utensils, glassware, and thelike. However, for purposes of discussion only, the disclosure hereinbelow refers only to dishes.

To improve the functionality of the dishwashing machine, the wash watermay be heated. Doing so makes the detergent more effective, thereby,improving the washing efficiency of the dishwashing machine. However,even if the dishwashing machine heats the wash water, the most stubbornwaste, e.g., baked-on food waste, is still difficult to remove.Pre-soaking the dishes using high temperature wash water may help, butthe soaking process requires a great deal of time and the operationalcycle of the dishwashing machine must then be extended accordingly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves a dishwashing machine that employs steamto obviate the aforementioned and other limitations associated with therelated art. Generally, dishwashing machines that employ steam moreeffectively wash dishes due to the high-temperature, high-humiditycharacteristics associated with steam. These characteristics permitmoisture to more effectively penetrate and loosen food particles andother residue on the dishes. Consequently, when the dishes aresubsequently washed and/or rinsed with high-pressure water, thedishwashing machine can more effectively remove the food particles andother waste.

In the present invention, steam is delivered to the dish washingcompartment or space by the steam nozzle. Positioning and fixing thesteam nozzle is very important. Thus, in accordance with a firstexemplary embodiment of the present invention, the steam nozzle isadvantageously fixed to the tub in such a way that wash water cannot getbehind the steam nozzle, nor penetrate the tub and seep into the spacebetween the tub and the outer case of the dishwashing machine.Furthermore, the steam nozzle is advantageously fixed in such a way thatthe steam nozzle does not limit the size of the dishwashing space, orthe shape and size (i.e., the design) of the dish washing racks.Finally, the steam nozzle is advantageously fixed to the tub such thatit is much less likely to break.

In accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the steam nozzle is fixed to achieve each of theaforementioned advantages, and in addition, prevent any possible warpingor deformation of the steam nozzle due to high-temperature wash waterand/or high-temperature steam.

Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it providesa nozzle assembly for spraying steam into the dishwashing compartmentthat is easily fixed to the dishwashing machine tub.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a nozzleassembly that is fixed in such a way that water cannot penetrate the tuband seep into the space between the tub and the dishwashing machinecabinet.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that it provides anozzle assembly that is fixed in such a way that it does not limit thedish washing compartment or space.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides anozzle assembly that is fixed in such a way that it does not limit thesize or shape of the dishwashing machine racks.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a nozzleassembly that is fixed in such a way that it is less likely to break.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a nozzleassembly that is fixed in such a way that warping or deformation of thesteam nozzle is prevented.

Additional advantages, objectives, and features of the present inventionwill be set forth, in part, in the following description, including theclaims and the drawings, and in addition, set advantages, objects andfeatures will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the artfrom practicing the invention.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, theaforementioned and other advantages are achieved by a dish washingmachine comprising a tub having an inner surface that defines a dishwashing space, a steam generator, a nozzle assembly that sprays steam,supplied by the steam generator, into the dish washing space; and acoupling member. The coupling member is coupled to the nozzle assembly.The coupling member applies a force such that the nozzle assembly isfixed to and in direct contact with the inner surface of the tub.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, theaforementioned and other advantages are achieved by a dish washingmachine that comprises a tub defining a dish washing space, a steamgenerator, a coupling member, and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assemblycomprising a body part including at least one spray port on a first sideof the body part, where the spray port sprays steam, generated by thesteam generator, into the dish washing space. The nozzle assembly alsocomprises a coupling part formed on a second side of the body part,where the coupling part is coupled to the coupling member such that aforce is applied on the tub thereby fixing the nozzle assembly to thetub.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description of the present invention areexemplary and explanatory. The description is intended to providefurther explanation of the invention, as set forth in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure. They illustrate different aspects of theexemplary embodiments of the present invention, and together with thedescription, serve to explain the present invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwashing machine according toexemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical, sectional view of the dishwashing machineillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a nozzle assembly fixed to the tub of adishwashing machine in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the nozzle assemblyillustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the nozzle assembly illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a nozzle assembly fixed to thetub in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly illustrated in FIG.6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling member inaccordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the nozzle assembly and coupling member ofillustrated in FIGS. 6-8 in accordance with the second exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Whenever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to same or like parts.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwashing machine according toexemplary embodiments of the present invention. The dishwashing machineincludes a case 1, which defines the external appearance of thedishwashing machine. Case 1 is open in the front to accommodate a door2, through which, the user may access the dish washing space orcompartment inside the dishwashing machine. The door 2 includes a doorgrip 4 to aid in opening the door 2, and a steam discharge port 6, whichprovides an outlet for high temperature air and/or steam to bedischarged from within dishwashing space or compartment.

The dishwashing machine also includes a control panel 3 integrated intothe top portion of the door 2. The control panel 3 includes a powerswitch 5 for turning the dishwashing machine on and off; a functionselection part 7, which is used to select the desired dishwashingoperation; and a display part 8 for displaying the operational state ofthe dishwashing machine.

FIG. 2 is a vertical, sectional view of the dishwashing machineillustrated in FIG. 1. As shown, the dishwashing machine includes a tub18 mounted inside case 1, where tub 18 defines the dish washing space orcompartment. The dishwashing machine also includes a sump 16 mounted atthe bottom of the tub 18. Sump 16 collects the wash water so that thewash water can be re-circulated.

The sump 16 includes a pump (not shown) for pumping the wash water inthe sump 16 back into the dish washing compartment. The sump 16preferably includes a beater (not shown) for heating the wash water inthe sump 16. Heating the wash water tends to make the detergent moreeffective in terms of dissolving food waste on the dishes.

The dishwashing machine further includes an upper dishwashing machinerack 111 and a lower dishwashing rack 12. Also included, are spray arms14 and 15, which spray wash water onto the lower rack 12 and the upperrack 11, respectively. A separate spray arm 24 is employed for sprayingwash water from the top and downward into the dish washing compartment.

Associated with sump 16 is a filter 17. When wash water passes throughfilter 17, food particles and other waste in the wash water are filteredout. A wash water flow channel 19, mounted to tub 18, transports thefiltered wash water from sump 16 to the spray arms 14 and 24.

Still further, the dishwashing machine includes a steam generator 100.Steam generator 100 generates and supplies steam to the dish washingcompartment, via steam flow channel 110 and at least one steam nozzle,for example, steam nozzle 200. The steam generator 100 is, preferably,mounted below the tub 18. This allows the steam to be more easilysupplied to the dish washing compartment. That is because steam islighter than air. Therefore, the steam tends to rise upward through thesteam flow channel 110 and the steam nozzle 200 into the dish washingcompartment. However, the present invention is not limited to thisparticular positioning generator 100. For example, the steam generator100 may be mounted to the side of tub 18, or in any other preferablelocation. The steam generator 100 includes a case 102, a heater 104 forheating the water contained in the steam generator 100, a water levelsensor 106, and a fuse (not shown) for preventing the heater 100 fromoverheating.

The dishwashing machine also includes a water supply pipe 22 which isconnected to a water supply source external to the dishwashing machine.As shown, the water supply pipe 22, in this exemplary embodiment,branches in order to supply water to the dish washing compartment, viasump 16, and the steam generator 100. The dishwashing machine alsoincludes a water drainage pipe 23 for draining dirty wash water afterthe wash water has been used to wash the dishes. The water supply pipe22 has a tub valve 40 and a steam valve 41 to control the flow of waterto the dish washing compartment and the steam generator 100,respectively.

The general operation of the dishwashing machine illustrated in FIGS. 1and 2, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, will now be described. First, the user places the dishes onthe upper rack 11 and/or the lower rack 12, as desired. The user thencloses the door 2. The user then selects the desired dishwashingoperation using the function selection part 7 and initiates theoperation of the dishwashing machine. The dish washing operation is thenperformed based on the user's selection, while the operational state ofthe dishwashing machine is displayed on the display part 8. Theoperation of the dishwashing machine with respect to the flow sequenceof the wash water will not be described. The spray arms 14, 15, and 24spray the wash water onto the dishes positioned in the racks. The washwater eventually drips downward through filter 17 and into the sump 16.The pump mounted in sump 16 then re-circulates the wash water by pumpingit back into the spray arms 14, 15, and 24.

During the circulation of the wash water, food particles and other wasteare filtered out by filter 17, as previously mentioned. This allowsclean wash water to be re-circulated, and it also minimizes the risk ofblocking or clogging the spray arms or nozzles associated with the sprayarms.

As stated, the dishwashing machine may use steam during the dishwashingoperation. The steam is generated by steam generator 100, as stated. Thesteam is supplied to the dish washing compartment through the steam flowchannel 110 and the steam nozzle 200. Using steam makes for a moreefficient and effective dishwashing operation. This is due to thehigh-temperature, high-humidity characteristics of steam. For example,when dishes are exposed to steam, food particles and other waste on thedishes are more thoroughly soaked by the high-temperature, high-humiditysteam. Accordingly, steam helps to loosen the food particles and wasteadhering to the dishes. Then, when high-pressure wash water is sprayedon the dishes, the food particles and other waste are more easilyremoved from the dishes.

FIG. 3 illustrates the nozzle assembly 200 fixed (i.e., secured) to thetub wall 18 in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded, rear perspective view of thenozzle assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3. As illustrated, the nozzle assembly200 in accordance with this exemplary embodiment includes a body part210 having at least one spray port 211 through which steam, supplied bythe steam generator 100, is sprayed into the dish washing compartment orspace. The nozzle assembly 200 also includes coupling part 220 whichprojects rearward from the body part 210. The coupling part 220 is usedto fix the nozzle assembly to the tub wall 18.

In this exemplary embodiment, the at least once spray port 211 is formedon a first side of the body part 210 facing towards the dish washingspace. Thus, nozzle assembly 200 sprays steam into the dish washingspace.

The nozzle assembly 200 further includes an introduction part 230. Theintroduction 230 guides the steam, generated by the steam generator 100,into the nozzle assembly. In this exemplary embodiment, as illustratedin FIGS. 3 and 4, the introduction part 230 is formed on and projectsfrom the coupling part 220. Referring back to FIG. 2, the introductionpart 230 may connect to the steam flow conduit 110, where the steamconduit is disposed between the tub wall 18 and the case 1. Thus, inthis exemplary embodiment, the introduction part 230 protrudes into thespace between case 1 and tub wall 18.

Further in accordance with this exemplary embodiment, a coupling hole260 is formed in a predetermined position through the tub wall 18. Theintroduction part 230 passes through the coupling hole 260. Likewise,coupling part 220, or a portion thereof, passes through coupling hole260.

In this exemplary embodiment, the coupling part 220 is threadedlyengaged with a coupling member 240. To this end, a thread may be formedon the outer surface of the coupling part 220, or a portion thereof, anda nut having a threaded inner surface may be used as the coupling member240. As, in this exemplary embodiment, the coupling part 220 passesthrough coupling hole 260 formed in the tub wall 18, and is threadedlyengaged with coupling member 240, and as described above, the nozzleassembly 200 is easily fixed to the tub 18.

Specifically, the process of fixing the nozzle assembly 200 to the tub18 first involves inserting the coupling part 220 through the couplinghole 260. The coupling part 220 is then threadedly engaged with thecoupling member 240, as explained above, until the coupling member 240is brought into tight contact with the outer surface of the tub 18. Thenozzle assembly 200, as a result, is securely fixed to the inner surfaceof tub 18.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the nozzle assembly 200 accordingly to thisexemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include asealing member 250 disposed between the inner surface of the tub 18 anda rear surface of the body part 210. The sealing member 250 preventswater from getting behind and seeping through the coupling hole 260 andinto the space between the tub 18 and the cabinet 1. The sealing member250 may be constructed out of rubber, or a rubber-like material, havinga predetermined elastic force. Furthermore, the sealing member 250 maybe formed in a shape of a ring, as shown.

FIG. 5 further illustrates the nozzle assembly 200 when viewed from therear. Again, the nozzle assembly 200, according to this exemplaryembodiment, is fixed to the inner surface of the tub wall 18 using thethreaded engagement between the coupling part 220 and the couplingmember 240. As shown, the coupling part 220 may be formed at the centerof the nozzle assembly 200. However, the present invention is notlimited to placing the coupling part at the center of the nozzleassembly 200. When the coupling part 220 is threadedly engaged with thecoupling member 240, the nozzle assembly 200 is fixed to the tub 18 as aresult of a localized force applied to the tub wall in and around thecenter of the nozzle assembly 200.

There are many advantages associated with this exemplary embodiment.First, by fixing the steam nozzle 200 to the inner wall of tub 18, thesteam nozzle 200 is not taking up unnecessary space inside the dishwashing compartment. Second, by fixing the steam nozzle 200 to the tubwall 18, there are no limitations placed on the size and shape of therack or racks used for storing the dishes within the dish washing space.Third, by fixing the steam nozzle to the tub 18, the steam nozzle isless likely to break. Finally, the first exemplary embodiment is arelatively simple solution for fixing the steam nozzle to the tub, butat the same time, it prevents water from getting behind the steamnozzle, through the coupling hole 260, and into the space between thetub 18 and the case 1, as stated above. Despite these severaladvantages, the steam nozzle 200 might be subject to deformation, due toprolonged exposure to high-temperature wash water, and high-temperaturesteam, depending on the type of material that is used to construct thesteam nozzle. If deformation is to occur at all, it is likely tomanifest itself by the peripheral edges of the steam nozzle warpingforward towards the dish washing space as indicated by arrows 280 inFIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a nozzle assembly 300 inaccordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly 300 shown in FIG. 6.FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a coupling member 400 that may be usedin conjunction with the nozzle assembly 300, shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 isa rear view of the coupling member 400 illustrated in FIG. 8. As will beexplained in greater detailed below, the nozzle assembly 300 and thecoupling member 400 are configured such that the peripheral edges of thenozzle assembly body part 310 are firmly and directly fixed against theinner surface of tub 18. This second exemplary embodiment achieves allthe aforementioned advantages associated with the first exemplaryembodiment, and in addition, prevents the potential of warping ordeformation of the nozzle assembly 300 due to high-temperature washwater and/or high-temperature steam.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the dishwashing machine according to this secondexemplary embodiment of the present invention, includes a couplingmember 400 for fixing the nozzle assembly 300 to the tub 18. In thisexemplary embodiment, coupling member 400 applies a pressing/fixingforce at or near the periphery or peripheral edge portion of the bodypart 310 associated with nozzle assembly 300. The nozzle assembly 300shown in FIGS. 6-8 is different from the nozzle assembly 200 shown inFIGS. 3-5 in that the nozzle assembly 200 is fixed to the tub 18 by apressing/fixing force applied at or near the center of the body part210, as a result of the threaded engagement between the coupling part220 and the coupling member 240. In contrast, the nozzle assembly 300 isfixed to the tub 18 by a pressing/fixing force applied at or near theperiphery or peripheral edge portion of the body part 310, as a resultof a number of connection members 412 (e.g., four connection members)passing through the coupling member 400 and into the coupling part 320.In accordance with this second exemplary embodiment, the coupling member400 and the connection members 412 act in concert with the coupling part310 to prevent deformation of the nozzle assembly 300.

Further in accordance with this second exemplary embodiment, thecoupling member 400 may be constructed such that when the aforementionedpressing/fixing force is applied at or near the edge portion 312 of thebody part 310, as shown for example in FIG. 6, the peripheral edgeportion of the body part 312 is securely pressed against the interiorsurface of the tub wall 18. Consequently, the nozzle assembly 300 isprevented from being deformed due to high-temperature wash water andhigh-temperature steam. More specifically, this configuration preventsthe outer portion or peripheral edge portion of the nozzle assembly 300from warping inward toward the dish washing space, as illustrated, forexample, by arrows 280 in FIG. 5.

As shown, coupling member 400 includes a rear panel portion 410 andextension tabs 420, where extension tabs 420 make contact with and applya substantially equal force around the exterior surface of the tub wallin the vicinity of the peripheral edge portion 312 of the body part 310.As a result, the tub wall 18 is securely fixed between the extensiontabs 420 of coupling member 400 and the rear surface of body part 310when the connection members 412 are securely in place. Therefore, theentire nozzle assembly 300 directly presses against the interior surfaceof the tub 18, which prevents for deformation of the nozzle assembly 300due to high-temperature wash water and high-temperature steam.

The body part 310 of nozzle assembly 300 includes at least one sprayport 311, through which the steam is sprayed into the dish washingspace. In FIG. 7, the nozzle assembly 300 has 2 spray ports for purposesof illustration.

Nozzle assembly 300, accordingly to this second exemplary embodimentalso includes a coupling part 320. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7,coupling part 320 extends rearward away from body part 310 such thatcoupling part 320 is inserted through a coupling hole 360 formed in thetub wall 18 as illustrated by the dash lines in FIG. 6. The couplingmember 400 may then be connected to coupling part 320 by connectionmember 412. In this second exemplary embodiment, connection members 412are illustrated as being screws. However, one skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that connection members 412 can take on other forms,such as threaded studs that extend from the rear surface of couplingpart 300 which may be secured through coupling member 400 by threadednuts. Again, the result is that the edge portion 312 of body part 310 ofnozzle assembly 300 securely and directly presses against the innersurface of the tub 18, thereby preventing deformation.

As stated, the coupling member 400 includes a rear panel portion 410. Inthis second exemplary embodiment, the inner surface of the rear panelportion 410 contacts the coupling part 320 when the connection members412 are securely in place. The extension tabs 420 generally extend apredetermined length from the rear panel portion 410 so that they pressagainst and apply a pressing/fixing force at the exterior surface of thetub 18 when the connection members 412 are securely in place.

The rear panel portion 410 of coupling member 400 includes a pluralityof coupling holes 411. The coupling holes 411 are illustrated, forexample, in FIGS. 8 and 9. The connection members 412 pass throughcoupling holes 411 when securely in place.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the coupling member 400 may furtherinclude auxiliary extension tabs 430. When the rear panel portion 410 isconnected to the coupling part 320 by the connection members 412, theauxiliary extension tabs 430 further press against the coupling part320. The auxiliary extension tabs 430 help to further secure thecoupling part 320 and, therefore, the nozzle assembly 300.

According to this second exemplary embodiment, the nozzle assembly 300also includes an introduction part 330, through which steam is suppliedfrom the steam generator 100. In this second exemplary embodiment, theintroduction part 330 may be disposed at the side or the rear of thecoupling part 320 if, for example, a substantial portion of the rearsurface of the coupling part 320 is in contact with the coupling member400, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Again, it will be understood that in accordance with this secondexemplary embodiment, the entire nozzle assembly 300 is prevented frombecoming deformed. It will also be understood that when the peripheraledge portion 312 of the nozzle assembly 300 is fixed to the innersurface of tub 18, in accordance with this second exemplary embodiment,water on the inner surface of the tub 18 or flowing around the steamnozzle 300 will be prevented from getting between the inner surface oftub 18 and the nozzle assembly 300, and into the coupling hole 360.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it isintended that the present invention cover the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

1. A dish washing machine comprising: a tub having an inner surface thatdefines a dish washing space; a steam generator; a nozzle assembly thatsprays steam, supplied by the steam generator, into the dish washingspace; and a coupling member coupled to the nozzle assembly, thecoupling member applying a force such that the nozzle assembly is fixedto and in direct contact with the inner surface of the tub.
 2. The dishwashing machine of claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly includes aperipheral edge portion, and wherein the force applied by the couplingmember is such that the peripheral edge portion is fixed to and indirect contact with the inner surface of the tub.
 3. The dish washingmachine of claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises: a body partthat includes a spray port on a first side of the body part, and whereinthe force applied by the coupling member is such that a second side ofthe body part, opposite the first side of the body part, is fixed to andin direct contact with the inner surface of the tub.
 4. The dish washingmachine of claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises: a body partthat includes a spray port on a first side of the body part; and acoupling part formed on a second side of the body part, the couplingpart projecting through a coupling hole formed in the tub; whereincoupling member is coupled to the coupling part by a plurality ofconnection members.
 5. The dish washing machine of claim 4, wherein thecoupling member comprises: a rear panel portion; and a plurality ofextension tabs, wherein the plurality of connection members pass throughholes formed in the rear panel portion and into the coupling part of thenozzle assembly, and wherein each of the plurality of extension tabsextend from the rear panel portion to the tub, thereby applying a forceon the tub such that a peripheral edge portion of the nozzle assembly isfixed to and in direct contact with the inner surface of the tub.
 6. Thedish washing machine of claim 4, wherein the coupling member comprises:a rear panel portion; and a plurality of extension tabs, wherein theplurality of connection members pass through holes formed in the rearpanel portion and into the coupling part of the nozzle assembly, andwherein each of the plurality of extension tabs extend from the rearpanel portion to the tub, thereby applying a force on the tub such thata rear surface of the nozzle assembly is fixed to and in direct contactwith the inner surface of the tub.
 7. The dish washing machine of claim4, wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises: an introduction partthrough which steam, supplied by the steam generator, is introduced intothe steam nozzle.
 8. The dish washing machine of claim 7, wherein theintroduction part is formed on a side portion of the coupling part.
 9. Adish washing machine comprising: a tub defining a dish washing space; asteam generator a coupling member; and a nozzle assembly, the nozzleassembly comprising: a body part including at least one spray port on afirst side of the body part, wherein the spray port sprays steam,generated by the steam generator, into the dish washing space, and acoupling part formed on a second side of the body part, wherein thecoupling part is coupled to the coupling member such that a force isapplied on the tub thereby fixing the nozzle assembly to the tub. 10.The dish washing machine of claim 9, wherein the coupling part projectsthrough a coupling hole formed in the tub.
 11. The dish washing assemblyof claim 9, wherein the coupling part is coupled to the coupling memberby a threaded engagement.
 12. The dish washing machine of claim 9further comprising a sealing member, the sealing member being fixedbetween the body part and the tub.
 13. The dish washing machine of claim9, wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises: an introduction partthrough which steam, supplied by the steam generator, is introduced intothe steam nozzle.
 14. The dish washing machine of claim 13, wherein theintroduction part is formed on the coupling part.